Melbourne will host the International Diabetes Federation Western Pacific Region Congress next year.
On Tuesday the state government announced that more than 2,500 international experts and people with diabetes will gather at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre between August 18–21, 2026 to share knowledge and advance efforts to prevent and manage diabetes.
The congress is expected to fill 7,500 room nights, support jobs in the business events sector and enhance Melbourne’s reputation as a hub of medical research.
The Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) worked closely with the Australian Diabetes Society, Diabetes Australia, and the Australian Diabetes Educators Association, and with support from Tourism Australia to secure the event, as part of a commitment by the lead agencies to improve diabetes prevention, management and care.
The Western Pacific region, which spans 38 countries and territories, has 206 million adults living with diabetes, posing a significant challenge to the region’s health systems.
“Melbourne’s selection as the host city is a testament to our city’s reputation as a global hub for international association conferences and medical research, especially in the field of diabetes,” said Melbourne Convention Bureau chief executive Julia Swanson.
“This congress could not come at a more urgent time for Australians living with diabetes,” said Diabetes Australia Group chief executive Justine Cain.
“Hosting this congress sends a clear message: diabetes is a national and global health emergency, and we are committed to working with the world’s best minds to deliver impact and innovation.”
